Bletilla striata (Hyacinth orchid)

Botanical name

Bletilla striata

Other names

Hyacinth orchid, Common bletilla

Genus

Bletilla Bletilla

Species

B. striata - B. striata is an half-hardy perennial. It is a deciduous terrestrial orchid with sword-shaped leaves and loose spikes of nodding pink or white flowers on wiry stems in late spring to early summer.

Native to

China, Japan

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Compact

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Colour

Flower

Pink, White in Spring; White, Pink in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer

General care

Propagation

Divide in early spring.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Bletilla striata (Hyacinth orchid) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added leaf mould in bright, filtered or bright indirect light. In growth, water freely & feed a quarter-strength liquid fertiliser every third watering. Keep dry in winter. Outdoors, grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. In mild areas, mulch in winter. In cold areas, lift and store in a dry, frost-free place.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Bletilla striata (Hyacinth orchid)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Orchidophilus spp.

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A pest of orchids spreading in trade. Currently absent from the UK and unlikely to establish outdoors. Could cause severe damage to hosts growing in protected cultivation.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Bletilla striata (Hyacinth orchid)

Common pest name

common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Frankliniella schultzei

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Bletilla striata (Hyacinth orchid)

Common pest name

Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice

Scientific pest name

Aphelenchoides besseyi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/